Bergrand Boys

“Good morning, your highness!” a shrilly voiced cried.    Paul buried his head into a pillow and groaned.   “The f**k do you want, Felipe?” he asked. He hates being awakened with a reminder of that title he can’t escape. The bed dipped on the other side.   “Oh come on, don’t tell me you have no plans? Your brother is back from service and I’m sure there’s going to be a long celebration and—”   “Whatever it is, I’m in,” he heard another voice speak up as the door of his room opened and closed. He sighed to himself.   “Does no one respect my privacy at all anymore?” he asked, but his question was immediately drowned out by a screaming match.   “Oh no! No way! Whatever it is, we’re not taking you! Tell him, Paul!”   “Why not?!”   “Cause you’re lame and you scare away all the girls and guys!”   “I’m pretty sure your personality is to blame for that!”   “Excuse you! I have a very pleasing personality!”   “Kill me now,” he murmured to himself before going back to sleep.   He woke up several hours later, his two visitors nowhere in sight. They know well enough to leave him alone when he’s in his somber mood. They’re not wrong that he needs to do something, but he doesn’t have a plan yet.   He was on his way to the kitchen to scavenge something to eat for late lunch when he crossed paths with his father and brother.   “Paul!”   Before he could react, his brother’s arms were around him in a tight hug.   “How have you been, little brother?”   He forced a smile before answering.   “I’m okay,” he said. He heard his father huff in annoyance.   “I’d say. He’s been doing god knows what instead of his responsibilities.”   He dropped his head. Here it comes, the lecture.   “You’re of age already. I let it slide when you were younger, but you can’t just play around forever. You’re a Prince! You have responsibilities!”   The tirade continued. He nodded, pretended to care. His dad, or the King, always had a lecture or two for him whenever they see each other these days. Now that his older brother, and rightful heir, is back from his two tours with the country’s air force, he’s hoping it’ll lessen. But apparently, it was just about to get worse.   “Dad’s right,” his brother agreed. His head snapped. Peter never used to agree with their father whenever the latter talks about their “obligations”. He always used to defend Paul and say, “let him be!” So why is he suddenly—   “When are you going to join the air force, by the way? You need to get started on your military career soon.”   He felt his skin prickle as he struggled with his internal panic. He doesn’t want to join, never wanted to join, even though it was mandatory for all royals.   “I actually haven’t thought about it yet,” he replied. Peter gave him a crooked smile and a light tap on his shoulder.   “Let’s talk about it this weekend—”   “I have plans, actually. With Augustine and Felipe. Sorry, it was a promise I made a while back,” he said. He tried to keep his voice as calm as possible. Peter sighed but kept his smile.   “Okay, let’s talk about the rest of your life when you get back.”   “My execution, you mean?”   Peter laughed, probably assuming he’s kidding. The King just scowled at him. They left him alone after that. The moment they were gone he took his phone out and sent a group chat to Felipe and Augustine.   We’re leaving. Now.   ---   “You sure you don’t want to go out? I heard Bergrand puts Monaco to shame in opulence.”   Stein shook his head at his friend Joey. They just docked at the small but apparently ultra-rich European country and most of the ship’s staff are going out to spend the day out. He’s staying in not only because he didn’t want to spend any money but also because he promised his little sister they’d spend his day off on video call.   “I promised to call Becky,” he said. Joey nodded and gave his shoulder a light squeeze.   “I’ll buy you one of those famous Bergrand berry pies!”   “Thanks, but I’d settle for a couple of postcards.”   “Of course, I’ll buy you some of that too. You think I don’t know you well enough after 10 years of friendship?!” Joey huffed at him. “What do you take me for?”   They shared a laugh.   “Thanks, J,” he just said, knowing his friend is just trying to lighten the mood. Things haven’t been easy for him lately. And he’s ever so thankful Joey is there to cheer him up and support him.   “Always,” Joey replied. He left soon after and Stein was finally alone. He cleaned his small room first, which didn’t take long because he’s a clean freak anyway, before setting up his phone to call his younger sister.   It took a couple of rings before his screen was filled with the face of an adorable 5-year-old.   “Kuyaaaa!!!”   It meant older brother in their language, and it made his heart immediately full and whatever problems he had were pushed to the side and replaced by warmth and joy.   “How’s my Beckykoo?” he asked. He noticed she lost some weight, but he won’t dwell on that now, not in front of his sister. That’ll be a conversation he’ll be having with his aunt later.   “I’m good! Doc Mark said so! Look, he even gave me a sticker!”   He watched as Becky showed him the sticker, listened as she recounted how brave she’d been receiving her shots, and gratefully thanked the heavens she seems to at least be responding to her treatments. She was diagnosed with a leukemia a year ago. That’s why he took the cruise ship job, so he could pay for her treatment. It was hard to be away from her, but it was the only way he knew how to make sure she survives.   They talked for a good two hours before Becky got tired and had to go to sleep. It was only then he was finally able to talk with his aunt about Becky’s real status.   He could feel his heart constrict and his ears ring with every word. Getting worse. Transplant soon. Very expensive. Even with an advance from his job, he wouldn’t be able to get close to the amount they need. Even with Joey’s help. But he didn’t tell his Aunt this. He didn’t want them to worry. He just wanted them to focus on the healing. He’ll find a way somehow. Even if it kills him.   After his video call ended, he lied down for a while, thinking of what else he can do. It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep, the prospect of forgetting all his problems too great a chance to pass up, even if it’s just for a few hours.   ---   He looked up at the gigantic luxury liner in front of him. He felt Augustine and Felipe bristle where they stand on his sides.   “Really?” Augustine said dryly. “A cruise ship.”   “Are you out of your mind?! Do you see the people getting in that… that monstrosity? Old people! Oooooold!” He glared at Felipe. His friend’s penchant for dramatics not helping his already sour mood.   “This way they can’t track us and barge in unannounced,” he explained. He was, of course, referring to the battalion at his brother’s command who can easily bring him back to the castle at a drop of a hat. No country is safe. So, he opted to try his luck out on the waters.   “Whatever. Let’s just get in,” Augustine huffed before heading to the walkway that’ll lead them to the entrance. He and Felipe followed. Behind them, he could feel the barrage of bodyguards trailing them. More than half of them were his. Some were Augustine’s and a few are Felipe’s. Although he’s the only prince, Augustine is a royal in his own right while Felipe is son and heir to one of the richest and most powerful family in their country.   All three of them would have preferred they go alone and unsupervised but several kidnapping attempts when they were younger have made them somewhat paranoid. Doesn’t really matter. The guards know not to cramp their style. They will intervene only when needed.   The check-in was quick, courtesy of their VVIP status. They all got their own presidential suite and pretty soon he was alone. He lied down for a bit to breathe and clear his head. And then he got to work.   He pulled the desk in the middle of the master bedroom towards the window. And then he set up his laptop and portable keyboard. Pretty soon he was lost in beats and rhythms. In chords and progressions. In melodies and harmonies and words.   It was dark by the time Felipe and Augustine fetched him.   “Bro, I know you only feed on souls, but we actually need to eat,” Felipe said as he bounced off his California King sized bed. He growled at his oldest friend. That would have sent others reeling. But Felipe and Augustine knew him well to know which of his reactions were harmless.   “Feed me. I want lobsters,” Augustine said. He sighed, saved his work before closing his laptop, and then got up.   They made their way to the exclusive club at the topmost part of the liner. They were immediately seated in one of their VIP booths. It had a direct view of the stage where a pianist was currently playing jazz music.   ---   “Me?! Why me?” he cried.   “Because Claire is sick and you have the best voice I know,” their manager replied.   “But I only sing ballroom songs!”   The main singer for the Lounge, the exclusive club in the upper part of the liner suddenly got a stomach flu. Now, the manager wants him to cover her shift.   “Just sing some Carpenters or something. The pianist knows a lot of songs,” the manager said with finality. “Go, you only have 30 mins to prepare.”   The look his manager gave him told him he didn’t have any say in the matter. So, he took his worn-out suit and headed to the Lounge. He ran into Joey on his way out.   “So you’re really singing up there? Niiiceee!”   He playfully shoved his friend. During their first weeks as singers in the luxury liner, they often joked about singing for the elite up in the Lounge. He never thought it would actually come true.   “Shut up!” he pouted.   “Break a leg, okay?” Joey said as he stepped into the elevator.   When he got to the Lounge, he had to take a moment to himself to admire the place. The restaurant was definitely luxury at its finest with plush carpets, leather seats, and elaborate chandeliers.   He took a deep breath to calm himself before heading to the backstage to get changed.   “You can do this,” he murmured to himself. Despite being taken aback by the sudden turn of events, he can’t lie to himself about being excited.   ---   The food was bland, the place was mediocre at best, and the music was dry. He wondered why he chose this place again but was quickly reminded of his need to get away as fast as possible from his family. He looked at Felipe and Augustine. They at least looked like they were having fun. They’re already halfway through the expensive bottle of liquor they ordered. They’ll both be smashed in no time.   Just when he was about to give up and call it a night, someone stepped up into the mic and started singing.   Never know how much I love you Never know how much I care When you put your arms around me I get a fever that’s so hard to bear   You give me fever When you kiss me Fever when you hold me tight Fever! In the morning Fever all through the night…   Gorgeous. It was all he could think of as he stared at the singer. His face was aglow from the spotlight, but there was something there that was coming from within. The twinkle in his eyes and the slight curve of a smirk—like he’s keeping a secret as he serenaded the crowd. But it wasn’t just his face.   He is sexy as hell. Even with the cheap suit he could make out his wide shoulders, tiny hips, long legs and… that ass. He was immediately engulfed by heat that made his d**k stand at attention.   Then their eyes met. And he was suddenly drowning in those whiskey-coloured eyes.   “I want him,” he said quietly.   It wasn’t a secret that he was bisexual. But it wasn’t public knowledge either. As a whole, he tends to get attracted to women more often, but every once in a while, a beautiful man catches his eyes, and he indulges.   He really wants to indulge, right now.   “I want him,” he said again, louder this time. In a beat, Augustine and Felipe’s attention were on him.   “What?” Felipe asked. He gestured towards the singer on stage. He heard Felipe chuckle. He vaguely heard his reply to ‘not worry’ and that ‘he’ll take care of everything’ because his attention was back on his mystery singer. It seems like tonight is going to be a good night after all.   ---   Stein was still beaming from the high of performing at such a grand stage when the stage manager of the Lounge approached him. A VVIP client liked his performance so much, he’s being booked for a private performance for the rest of the night. He couldn’t help but feel giddy and nervous. This is the first time he’s going to do something like this. He wondered if it was the handsome guy who kept his eye on him the entire time.   No matter. What matters is that this will give him extra money. According to the manager, the client offered a huge amount. The Lounge would take a cut, of course, but whatever he makes in tips is all his own.   After his 2nd and final set, he immediately freshened up, as instructed by the manager. Then he proceeded to the private elevator that would take him to the presidential suites. As he was walking, his thoughts strayed back to the guy who stared while he was singing. There was a dark and mysterious aura about him. Like a black hole that pulls you in without you realizing it. He tried to shake the thought away. Now was not the time to think about that.   And also… he’s scared to think about it. Scared to entertain the idea of attraction and love and relationships. He knew he was getting ahead of himself. But because his parents died early, and he was forced to grow up real fast, he never had time to date or find someone or fall in love. He can’t even be embarrassed by the fact that at his age, he’s never had a relationship because he’s too busy surviving for himself and Becky. And even worse, no one has ever caught his fancy hard enough for him to even waver a little. So really, what does he know about butterflies in stomachs and fluttering of hearts?   When he finally got to the door to room 1A, he took a deep breath to clear his mind before knocking on the door. A scary looking man the size of a mountain opened the door. He put on his best smile, even though he really wants to pee in his pants from fear.   “Hi, I’m Stein, the singer?” he introduced himself. The guy let him in but told him to stay near the door.   “Sorry, I need to do a thorough search on you. Security protocol.”   He wasn’t sure what’s going on when he was asked to leave his phone on a basket—he’ll get it back on his way out—and then strip to his underwear—to make sure he’s not wearing any wires or camera, but he did it anyway, not wanting to cause trouble. Afterwards, as he was putting his clothes back on, the big guy radioed someone.   Another big guy fetched him and brought him into the receiving room of the suite where he was met by a handsome guy with a devilish grin.   “Hey, Felipe! I was the one who talked to your manager,” the guy introduced himself with a handshake. Stein wondered if he was supposed to sing for this guy who seems quite drunk already.   “Nice to meet you, Felipe,” he greeted, not forgetting his manners. “Where do you want me? And do I start now?”   Felipe’s grin grew even bigger.   “Oh no! No, no, no! You’re not for me. It’s my friend who wants you. He just can’t talk to your manager himself and you’ll understand in a minute. You see, my friend, he’s a very important person. Which is why I need you to sign these papers before you get to meet him.”   Felipe gently shoved a bunch of paper towards him. He picked them up and read what it was.   “NDA?” he asked, bewildered.   “Yuppp! It just means you can’t tell anyone about what’s about to happen. It’s a little protection for my friend,” Felipe explained.   Stein isn’t completely ignorant about these things. So he read the NDA silently, amazed and freaked out by how comprehensive it was. Who is this mystery client?   After reading it, he looked at Felipe.   “So, do I get to know who I’m here for before I sign? Or does that come after?”   Felipe smiled apologetically.   “I’m afraid it’s the latter.”   Stein nodded to himself, considering it but only for a moment. He grabbed the pen that accompanied the NDA on the desk and signed. Felipe clapped where he stood.   “Great!” he exclaimed before handing Stein a thick envelope.   “That’s the down payment. You can leave it with your phone, already guaranteed no matter the outcome. The rest of your fee will be paid at the end of your session.”   Stein had to stop himself from gawking. Just based on the thickness of the envelope alone, it looks to be more than triple his usual monthly pay. And it’s just the down payment? He was about to ask Felipe some questions, but he was already heading out the door.   “My friend’s already waiting for you in the master suite,” he gestured towards the end of the hallway where a massive door stood. “Enjoy! Oh and I almost forgot, my friend is Prince Paul of Bergrand.”   “Wait—” he called out, but Felipe was already gone. Did he say Prince? He’s going to sing for the Prince of Bergrand? And in his master suite? What the hell is going on? His head was starting to spin from all the questions in his head. He only pulled himself together when he heard the guy who escorted him into the room clear his throat.   “Do you want to put that in the basket with your phone?” the guy asked. He nodded absentmindedly, still absorbing his current situation. The guy radioed someone and the big guy who opened the door for him came with the basket containing his phone. Stein dropped the envelope inside and steeled himself.   He finally dragged himself to the massive door and gave a tentative knock. The door opened and he found himself face to face with the mysterious man who for some reason caught his attention the entire night.   ---   He is even more beautiful up close, Paul thought as the singer’s face greeted him when he opened the door. He stared at the man’s face for a moment, noting the innocence behind his eyes and the nervous smile he was wearing.   “Good evening, Prince Paul, I’m Stein and I’m here to sing for you,” the guy greeted cheerily. Paul had to stop himself from pulling him into his arms and devouring him. Instead, he opened the door to his room.   “Come in,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm and leveled. He didn’t want to spook the guy.   Stein stepped into the room. Paul watched as he subtly looked around the room, eyes wide, trying to mask his confusion. His eyes grew even wider when Paul stood behind him, a little too close for comfort. Stein turned around, shocked but still smiling awkwardly, before stepping back.   “Um, where do you—what should I—um,” he groped for words. Paul couldn’t help but stare at him, at how his cheeks warmed and a blush crept from his face, down his neck, and even lower, obscured only by the dress shirt and suit he’s wearing. He couldn’t wait to discover how far that blush went.   “On my bed and get naked, to answer your questions,” he replied. Stein went even redder.   “What?!” Stein jumped away as far as he could from him. He frowned, surprised by the shock in the other man’s voice.   “Shouldn’t you know how this goes already?”   He watched as Stein slowly processed what he meant. Stein stepped even farther away from him, his hands held out defensively when it finally clicked.   “You’re mistaken. I’m a singer. I’m here to sing.”   He shouldn’t find the confusion on Stein’s face enticing because he really does look genuinely lost. But instead, it just lit the fire burning in him even brighter. He always liked a challenge.   “Think about it. Why would I want a singer in my room at this hour? You really think that’s all I want from you? For what? To sing me to sleep?”   “I don’t know!” he cried. I don’t know, you freak, went unsaid.   He didn’t panic, nor did this shock him. This wasn’t the first time it happened. Some mixed signals or something. But he was determined to still get what he wants. Because the more Stein pulled away, the more his want to claim, his desire bloomed. Evidenced by his growing arousal.   “I want you. I want to f**k you, to be precise.”   Stein paled.   “Are you going to r**e me?”   It was his turn to be stunned.   “r**e you? Of course not! I’m not an animal. But I’m going to pay you for your time.”   “I’m not a prostitute!”   “I never said you were. Also, that is a legal and well-regulated profession in Europe. There is nothing wrong with it as long as it’s between two consenting adults.”   “But I’m not consenting, am I? I was told I’m here to sing, which clearly was a lie.”   There were tears threatening to fall from Stein’s eyes even though they were burning with anger. It made Paul pull back a little, considering his next steps. He should probably let him go. Just give up and apologize for the confusion. But he had to try one more time.   “What can I do to change your mind?”   “Nothing—”   “There must be something. You agreed to take this extra gig. You need the money?”   That stumped Stein for a moment, like he was considering it. But it was a fleeting thought because his face steeled again.   “Yes, I need the money. But I’m not for sale.”   Paul sighed, deflated.   “Okay,” he said, after a moment. He then opened his door. Stein stared at it for a moment, unsure if it really was that easy.   “Like I said, I’m not an animal. r**e is not my thing,” he said, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice. It was hard.   Stein straightened up and cautiously headed towards the door.   “Keep the money Felipe gave you. It’s guaranteed anyway. And just remember you signed an NDA,” he said as Stein passed him by. He was all too suddenly exhausted. Stein give him a small nod before shuffling out the door. He closed it as soon as he was out. Then he jumped into his bed, took out his c**k and rubbed a quick one, just to release the tension.